While attending your friend's party, you see your friend's muffler catching…

Solution: Act quickly to remove the burning muffler and extinguish the fire; then provide first aid and seek help as needed.

• Step 1: Ensure your own safety and call for help if others are nearby.

• Step 2: Remove the burning muffler/scarf quickly by sliding it off the neck if possible; avoid pulling it over the head in a way that could spread flames.

• Step 3: Extinguish flames by pouring water on the burning item or smothering with a heavy non‑flammable cloth or blanket. Do not use flammable materials.

• Step 4: After extinguishing, cool any burns with running cool water for at least 10 minutes, remove constricting items (rings, tight collars) unless stuck, and cover burns loosely with a clean cloth.

• Step 5: Seek medical attention for any significant or deep burns, smoke inhalation, or if you are unsure of severity.

Why the other responses are not appropriate:

• Telling the friend to look behind him delays action and does not remove the immediate danger.

• Rushing to call someone else before trying to control the fire wastes valuable time; initial priority is to stop the burning and reduce injury.

• Removing the muffler and throwing it away risks spreading burning material; dispose only after it is fully extinguished and safe to handle.

Therefore, the best action is to quickly remove the burning muffler/scarf and extinguish the flames, then cool any burns and get medical help if needed.